Appendix 2 - Vegetation Communities and Regional Ecosystems

The mapping of VC24a as a complex reflects limitations in vegetation sampling which
concentrated on terrestrial biodiversity values as required within the project scope. Vegetation
sampling was insufficient to describe all floristic and structural components of this complex with
confidence. Wherever possible, VC24c is separated from the mangrove complex to allow
differentiation of RE3.1.2, which is discussed in following sections. There is however
considerable complexing of this RE which is evident in the spatial data, particularly on the
northern islands. This RE also includes small areas of Nypa forest on North-West Creek mapped
as VC12b, and limited occurrences of Pemphis acidula and Osbornia octodonta dominated low
closed forest on intertidal areas of Iama Island and Sassie Island (VC24b).
This RE represents the best development of mangrove habitat in the Torres Strait. It provides
important habitat for estuarine crocodiles, and may provide habitat for the vulnerable listed
butterfly Hypochrysops apollo, and two other jewel butterflies H. narcissus and H. apelles (EPA
2007). The occurrence of Nypa forest on Muralug is significant and representing an extension of
geographical range north from the Jardine River mouth and is the only known occurrence
between Cape York and PNG. The ecosystem also provides an important cultural resource
supporting traditional hunting and fishing practises and is fundamental to marine biodiversity and
fisheries.
Photograph 8. Tall open forest with
dominant Bruguiera sp. on Boigu
Island (RE3.1.1). Canopy height of
this community exceeded 35m.
Photograph 9. A grove of Nypa
Palm (Nypa fruticans) on North-
West Creek, Muralug Island
represents the most northern
occurrence of the palm in Australian
territory.
3d Environmental – Torres Strait Regional Ecosystem Mapping Project – August 2008
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